It has been a looooooong time !!!!!!!!Sorry about that. I am at the point where I really need to reassemble the bike so I can fit everything together and make up the exhaust. Did a little bit today on the rear fender. I have left it long at this point, until the final fittout, and possibly until the roadworthy!! In the photo from the rear you can see that I still need to do a little work to get the profile even. I am very happy with the way it is setting up with the rear loop, as it is creating grab handles. The intended light is a new spare from an Yamaha IT, should go with the scrambler theme.

I had to have the fork stanchion refurbished. I thought it was just a rechrome, but it turned out that the stanchions were slightly bent. Guess the PO must of had a DNF with his speedway at some stage!!!!!I have just put them together without fitting the new seals. Springs are only a couple of mm short of the nominal length, so no need to replace at this point. When I bought the bike there were no front calipers, once again Ebay provided. The final assembly with oil and seals will be when I have put the bike together completely including paint.

Completed a little bit more today.Mounted the tank, with the back mounting point raised a little to get the bottom of the tank parallel with the frame.Tack welded in a back mount for the seat and fender. The intent for mounting the seat is to hook it in at the front and then hold it in with 2 screws at the back mount.Also tuned the fender profile to be more symmetrical, not fully satisfied yet.

Mounted the seat last night. Made up 2 plastic bobbins to go up the front of the seat. The OD bears on the frame to locate it laterally. The step down creates a lip so that when you push it forward the bobbin locks under the piece of flat welded across the frame and locates it longitudinally. The seat is finally locked in position by 2 M6 screws at the back on the fender mount. Hope the photos give a clearer explanation.

Started to assemble the bike so I can work out the details before painting.I made up some nylon bushes instead of fitting the new steering head bearings at this point.Also made up some adjustable struts instead of buying new shocks at this point. Currently they are set at 340mm between centres. I am planning to get 360mm shocks to lift the rear. 340mm is what they should sag too, once the motor is in and I am on it.The first obvious issue once the wheels were fitted is that the rear guard is way too long. If I have the rear light mounted starting from the loop as per the photo then it looks much better. You can see the proposed cut line (blue) marker line. The front guard, I am thinking about mounting it high like most dirt bikes. Any thoughts about high or low mounting? Sorry missed taking a photo today = I will try to take one tomorrow.Happy with the handle bars Hope to get the engine in tomorrow, then I have to sort out the headlight mount.Biggest problem is that the shed is full, and the 896 only just fits beside the 750. It has to be wheeled out to work on! First world problem!!!!!

Did not get the engine in today. The engine is not finished as I have to install the pistons and gaskets. I know it will be marginal, but I would be happier with the engine absolutely correct before I start welding up the headers.Spent some time today working out the location of the headlight. As it is set up there is a good view of the speedo. The head light is dominating the aesthetic of the bike and I am not in love with it - any thoughts?Also put the front guard up high which I think will work, once again - any thoughts?